A little sickly-sweet with prose but very adept a describing mental health issues that come up in the modern era.

I can see this book as a movie
challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

3.5 stars. I had a fairly decent time with this book. I think that the biggest strength of the book is the pov, but it also is the most challenging part to adapt to (third person in a contemporary romance is a bit different for me). I felt that the language was a bit flowery and repetitive at times, but the dialogue felt realistic and emotional, so I'm conflicted on that front.

I think due to the nature of the structure of the book (the marriage and instalove happening before we really even meet the characters), things were often told to the reader instead of shown. I loved the parts when we got to see the two leads interacting and getting to know one another because they did have a complex dynamic, and both felt like real people.

Overall, this is a pretty good book, and I would recommend it if you're looking for a sort of midlife crisis-esque plot with some interesting tropes and twists.

i still can't objectively rate this book because my brain gets angry still lol
lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

4.5⭐️
adventurous funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Good book but it’s too repetitive at times. Also the friends seem forcefully “diverse” and lack depth

really i would say 3.75 stars

honestly, highly relatable. i love books about female academics struggling w internalized white supremacy. it’s a v real struggle

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this title. I really wanted to love this book because I love the premise, and how it centers on BIPOC queer characters, but I mostly found the main character to be lacking in depth. The book digs deep into the concerns many of us have faced as millennials who have achieved the goals they've set from a young age, and aren't sure how to proceed. It definitely speaks to the struggles of BIPOC queer people to be respected in the world, and I appreciate those aspects of it.

The writing style is sometimes hard to follow, and I wish there was more behind the main characters decision making and feelings. Also, the author writes in great detail about the strength of the main characters friendships, so it feels really out of character when she completely ignores them for months late into the book. I did appreciate the promising ending, and overall the story was good. I'd definitely give it 3.5 stars if I had the option.